Tag Archives: japan

Who doesn’t love trying international candy? I was lucky enough to discover one of the very best international monthly subscription boxes for candy, and the service goes by the name of Bocandy. I decided to give this box a try because it promises a nice variety of candy from around the globe.

The first thing that I noticed about the box when it arrived was how great the packaging design was. It was a simple design that fit perfect with the candy selection inside of it. I couldn’t help but try a little of everything and there wasn’t a single item in the box that didn’t taste amazing. There is clearly a lot of thought that goes into the candy selection for each box.

Something else that was really nice about this box was that it had a few bigger candies inside of it, but there were a ton of little pieces of candy in the box too. That means you get to share some of the international sweets that come in your box (if you want to). The whole idea for this box is brilliant and well thought out. Bocandy is a brilliant subscription box that lives up to it’s promises. For more information or to subscribe, check out their website at www.Bocandy.com.

If you don’t know what Kendama is, let me explain. It is the traditional Japanese ball and cup game that has been received by people from all around the world. This game has taken off rapidly, and it’s not hard to see why! It’s a game that is simple enough that anyone can enjoy it, but it also offers endless possibility for how the game can be taken on and played by professionals.

Kendama Co. is one company that is taking the game of Kendama and producing high quality products that allow players globally to enjoy playing the game with affordable and quality Kendama. When I say that this is a game for anyone, I mean it, you won’t believe how easy it is. One added benefit of the game is that it helps improve your hand eye coordination each and every time that you play it. This game will have you physically moving and figuring out new ways that the game can be played.

Kendama Professionals worldwide enter and compete in competitions to show the world just how far the game can be taken. It’s a game that is truly limitless, and in order to fully enjoy it, you will want to have a truly high quality Kendama. Kendama Co. really puts time and effort into making some of the worlds best Kendama. Everything from the variety of designs and types of Kendama, to the engraved logo, speaks to the time and effort that goes into making each Kendama. Check out their official YouTube channel to see just how extreme this game can get! For more information, check out www.Kendama-Co.com.

Extravagant light displays are wonderful traditions and attractions in America. Las Vegas is known for being as luminous as daytime in the dark of night. Disney World goes all out with brilliant displays and shows in their nightly parades before closing. New York City brightly trims the giant tree in Rockefeller Plaza, and dazzles the masses each year with glittering, glowing ball that drops in Times Square every New Year’s celebration. Radiant rituals like these seem to be just as typical overseas. Particularly over in Japan with their new Winter Illuminations event!

Winter Illuminations just opened at the botanical garden, Nabana no Sato, which is located on the island of Nagashima in Kuwana. Already it has been called one of the best light shows in Japan! Viewers walking through at night are enveloped by millions of LED lights which are strung across the grounds and even on the water. Embracing a nature theme this year, gorgeous scenes of rainbows, auras and even a sunrise over Mount Fuji are simulated. This most stunning light display is operating until March 31st, 2013.

There are a ton of lively light displays to see and experience here and abroad! If you’re not fortunate to see Winter Illuminations for yourself, at least the photos found here can give you a taste of Japan’s best!

I am a huge fan of concerts on film! Recently MVD informed me about a fantastic performance on DVD by the Carpenters. For those of you who think you don’t know who the Carpenters are, consider for a moment if you have herd any songs from the 70s, chances are if you have then you probably herd a song or two by them. It’s rare that my generation gets a glimpse into the past in such a way that not only shares the culture and styles of the time, but also shows the amount of talent that was prominent during the time period.

The DVD is filmed in Japan and not only gives you a front row seat to a Carpenters concert, but it also shows how they were a worldwide favorite during the 70’s! The performance is phenomenal and a must see for any fan of their music, and even those who have yet to hear of them. There is such a rich history behind the band and their music, and they have withstood the test of time. To purchase a copy for yourself, just check out MVD’s website or click here: Carpenters Live In 1972.

If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then the gorgeous bejeweled pieces from BonBon Oiseau will be life-long companions! Designer Deborah Stein affirms what Marilyn Monroe sang through her Brooklyn-based company. Inspired by world travels, Deborah Stein encapsulates visual and cultural sophistication in her hand-crafted designs. BonBon Oiseau maintains a fantastic assortment of original, high quality pieces that are perfect for any formal ensemble!
Stein’s various collections are exquisite, but diversely priced. The least expensive pieces are the iconic tie and money clips, all about $52. The key chain set-the Porte Cles Collection- runs at about $54 to $55. Lively gem-stacked and threaded earrings are anywhere from $58 to $475. The feathered hair pieces, flowery pins, and corsages vary from $100 to $200. Beautifully colored and accented bracelets range from $128 to $500. The beaded and charmed necklaces are offered from $140 to $250. Bridal adornments are also sold with prices available upon request. All the mentioned pieces can be found on the main site, bononoiseau.com. Many more diamond studded accents can be found on its sister site, bonbonoiseau.bigcartel.com. The jewel collections are also sold in stores in the United States, Europe, and Japan.

Jewelry is the friend that makes you look good, and fashionable women around the world have befriended BonBon Oiseau jewelry and hair adornment. Accessorize your wedding party, your prom gown, or your party dress with bold color and modern style. Once you have your own bit of this collection, it will be your default cohort for all the dressier occasions.

*Blogger’s note: All mentioned prices are in US currency and before shipping tax.

What is the best day of the week? In Japan, the best day of the week is Thursday, which translates to “Mokuyobi” and is the name of a colorful merchandise collection. The goal of

Mokuyobi Threads is to create something different and new using bold colors, magic, and awesome sauce. They carry high-quality and excitingly designed t-shirts and accessories.

All items are sold online at Mokuyobithreads.com. The t-shirts are available in four different designs for $20 before shipping and handling. Fun backpacks are offered for $65, but they are currently all sold out of those. Bright wallets are just some of their accessories sold for $45. Purchases will be shipped in two to three business days when placed on Monday through Friday before 1pm EST. On weekends or holidays, delivery will take three to four days. International orders ship in three to four days and deliver in two to four weeks.

Mokuyobi Threads strives to create in their products an exciting spark that comes from the good things for which we anticipate throughout the week. The Japanese believe that there is something to look forward to on Thursdays. You can too with your own bits of the radical Mokuyobi Threads!

*Blooger’s note: All prices mentioned are US currency and are before shipping and handling

In the United States, the coming of a new year is met with lavish parties and declaring resolutions that may or may not last. The most common of New Year’s festivities for North America is Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve extravaganza when the entire population of New York City is packed like sardines into Times Square and the entire country zeros in on television to watch a shiny ball drop at midnight. The event of New Year’s is the most internationally celebrated holiday of the year. People of all different races, religions, cultures, and continents recognize it and embrace it in their own way.

Scotland: This is the country where the song “Auld Lang Syne” originated. Just as Americans sing it around New Year’s, so do the Scots and every other English-speaking nation on this planet. The Scottish practice this New Year’s tradition known as “first-footing”. Good luck is supposedly brought to the house where a male visits after midnight. He might bring with him a gift of money, bread, or coal for the fire. This tradition is also practiced in Great Britain.

Greece: January 1st is a celebration for St. Basil in Greek culture. St. Basil’s day is celebrated much like Christmas; people will meet for meals and exchange gifts.

Russia: Also much like Christmas tradition, Russian children look forward to a figure known as Grandfather Frost who brings them toys on New Year’s.

Spain: All work stops at midnight on New Year’s, and the people consume twelve grapes, and sometimes wine, for good luck in the coming year.

Japan: The spirit of renewal is embraced. Bonenkai parties are held with the purpose of putting out of mind the cares and concerns of the past year and open up to a new beginning. It’s also tradition to clean house. New Year’s cards are sent, and if postmarked by a certain date, delivery on January 1st is guaranteed. Gongs from the Buddhist temples ring 108 times in an effort to expel the 108 different types of human weaknesses.

Korea: The Korean nations celebrate New Year’s according to both the solar and lunar calendars. The one that falls on January 1st is the lunar celebration called So-nal, and it is their second biggest holiday. Their festive traditions are more ritualistic, involving family reunions, eating special dishes, wearing new clothes, and bowing to their elders in respect.

Whether ritualized or spontaneous, the whole world celebrates another year of life on January 1st. Respected figures are honored and friends and family come together. Good fortune and gifts are bestowed upon one another. However the New Year is embraced, nothing on earth could be more common than accepting life’s clean slate on this day that begins a new chapter in our history.

Have you ever wanted your food dishes to look like something that came out of a cooking magazine? Enhance the look of your cuisines with gourmet sugar from Chambre De Sucre. While it’s French in name, the product comes from Japan. It’s handmade by one of the oldest family industries in the country. With over two hundred and seventy years of tradition, and even providing the Royal Japanese families with their products, quality is undoubtedly guaranteed. Chambre De Sucre offers sugar balls designed for coffee drinks and pieces in bright, spring-like colors. For $13.95 (before S&H), a canister of sugary bites can be your own. For $20 to $40, larger collections of confectionary desserts are available. These sugars will sweeten tea parties, bridal showers or ceremonies. Use them to add elegance to any dessert or give them as a gift to the aspiring chef you know.

You don’t have to go to culinary school to create beautiful cooking. Just add a little appealing saccharine from Chambre De Sucre to your dessert or drink. You’re sure to impress any food critic with them. I feel a sugar rush just looking them! Add some to your kitchen cupboard by purchasing from ChambreDeSucre.com.

When it comes to music devices nowadays, they can be personalized and customized in many ways. Music devices are available in different colors, styles, and memory programming. iTunes can recognize anybody’s musical tastes and suggest tunes based on what is purchased and downloaded. Then there’s an endless supply of musical accessories available almost everywhere you go.

Speakers, earbuds, and headphones can be found in any color under the sun. Some can be found with unique artwork or brand logos stamped on them. Products from Zumreed are just more musical device accessories in that sea of endless choices. One of the more unique things about these products is that the company is based out of Japan. Product browsing is available online at Zumreed.net, but you cannot purchase anything directly off the internet if you’re not in Japan. Another difference about Zumreed compared to others is that they carry more products. Zumreed is the first I’ve seen to carry all three- speakers, earbuds, and headphones. In addition, other Zumreed “musicgoods” include iPhone stands and carrying cases, phone plug adapters for earpieces or speakers, and cord wraps.

Though Zumreed accessories are like every other audible attachment out there, they’re a rare brand. As mentioned earlier, online purchasing is unavailable in America. Many Urban Outfitter retailers carry Zumreed products, but some states have other carriers. Highlight the “Where to Buy” box on the website to find a Zumreed carrier near you.

Since the release of the Nintendo 3DS in America on March 27, 2011 it has had a few great games come out. Like Star Fox 3D and Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D these games show of the fancy 3D action of the system. This Holiday is looking to be a great season for Nintendo with some huge titles coming out. Super Mario 3D Land comes out next week and is another game in the Super Mario Land series but this time it has 3D landscapes which from what’s been shown it looks amazing. Coming out next month is the seventh game in the Mario Kart Series. This game is looking to show off what the 3DS can really do. Taking the original games and making this one the best in it’s series.

Mario and Zelda have already took advantage of the new 3DS and this holiday you will see the two new Mario games in action. Looking towards more of next year you will get to see more of the promising projects that companies around the world are working on to use the 3DS features. In February, Resident Evil Revelations comes out and this games brings a new story to the series bring star characters Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield back.

Famous game director Hideo Kojima is bringing out Metal Gear Solid 3D Snake Eater and this game will be one of his best projects since MGS 4. Luigi’s Mansion 2 is making a return to the world with another title since the first one on the Game Cube. Paper Mario, and Kid Icarus are the next big titles coming out next year as well. Kid Icarus looks to be the best game on the platform and the graphics and story looks amazing. So rather your buying games this Holiday or the first quarter of 2012 your going to be having a lot of fun using the different types of 3D functions.

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